Wiltshire Council asks residents' opinion on Council Tax benefit changes

The Wiltshire Council are asking for county residents to come forward to have their say on the new proposed Council Tax Benefits scheme. 

The government is proposing to discontinue with the Council Tax benefit scheme and are asking councils to set up a discount scheme in its place. 

The new scheme is due to be effective from April 2013. 

Wiltshire Council has set up a consultation programme to explain how the changes will work and would like to hear from local people about their thoughts on the plans. 

As it stands, Wiltshire Council spends £27 million on Council Tax Benefits which is funded by central government. The new plan will reportedly reduce the available funding by around 14%. 

Whether or not residents receive Council Tax Funding, Wiltshire Council welcomes anyone to come along to share their thoughts and opinions. 

The consultations regarding the new plan is open now and will remain available until Tuesday, 30, October 2012. 

It has been reported that anyone of retirement age will not be affected by the new scheme. 

Council Tax Benefits are available to those whose income comes below a certain threshold. 

For more information about Council Tax Benefits and the changes please visit the Wiltshire Council website here.